Our members embody the meaning of courage, which according to the Merriam Webster dictionary is “The mental or moral strength to venture, persevere and withstand danger, fear or difficulty.”
Each member story is unique, but all reflect the intrinsic courage of those who face the challenges of cancer head on, with dignity, strength and passion for life.
Take a moment to listen to their voices.
Be amazed by what real courage looks like.
Dr. Monica Anderson
Diagnosed in 2012 with Adult GIST.
Bella Rocco
Diagnosed in 2009 with Pediatric
(SDH-Deficient) GIST.
Member Stories are below.
If you would like to contribute your story, or, that of a loved one, please email us today. Feel free to include any images you would like us to use!
Also visit our In Memoriam section and our In Memoriam website to light a candle for love ones that have passed.
Member Stories
The Healing Power of Adventure
A cancer diagnosis at any age is life-changing, daunting, and difficult. It can be especially challenging for young adults, people ages 18-39, who are dealing with cancer while also navigating college, first careers, new relationships, starting families, and other young adult milestones. Every year, 70,000 young adults are diagnosed with cancer, and that doesn’t include those diagnosed as children who are now young adult survivors and thrivers. As a young adult with cancer, I know it can be hard finding other people who “get it.”
Patient of the Month for October: Jon P. Treder
Patient of the Month: October As part of our Faces of Courage Series, we are featuring a patient of the month on the 13th of each month. Why is the number 13 [...]
Patient of the Month for August: Debi Granus
Patient of the Month: August As part of our Faces of Courage Series, we are featuring a patient of the month on the 13th of each month. Why is the number 13 [...]
Patient of the Month: Santy DiSabatino
Our Patient of the Month for July is Santy DiSabatino. Here is his story: "I remember the first time I heard the word GIST. I was in the recovery room after having a colonoscopy and endoscopy done due to what was perceived as a stomach issue (not truly related to the GIST) and due for a ten-year colonoscopy.
Believe in Hope – A GIST Story
This story is shared by Virginia Terrebonne, GIST Patient and LRG Member, and is part of our Faces of Courage series. My name is Virginia VanMeter Terrebonne. I am a 56-year-old female originally from [...]
It’s a Journey: Our Experience on Clinical Trials
By Jennifer Moore, LRG Member I was waiting in line to pick up a new prescription for Gleevec when my husband ran in and told me to forget it. After two surgeries, a year [...]
